My Writing Process

     Few people get to do something they absolutely love for a living. I'm often asked if I'm a full-time or a part-time writer. The answer is, “Yes.” Ha ha–that makes no sense, does it? Actually, I’m able to write full-time by teaching essay writing in the mornings and writing my novels in the afternoons.       I’ve been teaching essay writing for nearly three years. I have fifteen students who study one-on-one with me during the week. The interesting thing is that my students live in South Korea! They are thirteen hours ahead of me; I begin early in the morning--at 6:00 a.m.--so the time difference doesn't keep them from studying with me. When it is 6:00 a.m. in my world, it is 7:00 p.m. in theirs.  I teach using SKYPE, which is one of the most marvelous computer programs ever invented, and technology that connects me with my students more than half way round the world.     Working with South Korean students, I have learned a great deal about the similarities and differences between our cultures. In that sense, my students have taught their teacher many things. I’ve come to believe that a strong sense of discipline is part of what has made South Korea’s educational system number one in the world.     Discipline is important in achieving educational goals, but I can attest from personal experience that discipline is also key to achieving writing goals. Time waits for no one, so I sit down and write everyday. Set goals: meet them. When I finish the two sequels I am working on now, I will have written seven novels. I’ll be well ahead of the game in terms of reaching the writing goals I’ve set for myself. I encourage every writer to set goals for his or her work, and to do what it takes to achieve them. Working on my next novel!     While my work habits are structured, you might be surprised to find that my writing process is not. I don’t use outlines or formulas when I write. I am a spontaneous writer and storyteller. My work flows organically, and I have been blessed not to suffer from writer’s block. If I feel stumped for a moment, I start writing. It’s my own cure. If I could explain how I write, I would probably not be able to write another word. I don’t really understand it. It just happens. Writing for me is one of the most fun things in the world. If I ever stop enjoying it, I’ll give it up and try something else…perhaps broadcasting?So to sum up, my writing time is scheduled, but the words are free flowing from the worlds in my head to the page where I invite you to share them with me. For example, let me introduce you to hero Michael Stonebreaker—the “guy next door” caught up in a world of political intrigue and a shocking plan to save the United States from an insidious terrorist plot in my first book, The Revolutionists. Or re-join President Stonebreaker as he solves the border crisis and illegal immigration in The Reconstructionists, coming this November.